‘He’s Practising His Learned Social Skills on the Cat’: A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Parental Perspectives of the Role of Pets in Autistic Children’s Social Skills and Wellbeing

Behavioral Sciences, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 15(4), С. 419 - 419

Опубликована: Март 25, 2025

Evidence suggests that autistic children spend less time engaging in social interactions than their neurotypical peers which can negatively impact wellbeing. Researchers, educators, and parents must consider how we address this. A possible facilitator of children’s skills a protective factor for psychological health is the role pets human–pet bond. The study examined parental reports attachment to pet (dog or cat), positive negative behaviours with pet, this relates prosocial behaviour, peer problems, (emotional difficulties, conduct hyperactivity/inattention). Sixty-five an child completed quantitative measures assess these variables. Participants also qualitative questions aimed at understanding perceptions on child. regression analysis showed behaviour towards predicted (β = 0.40 p 0.006). No other models were statistically significant. thematic responses highlighted four themes relation parents’ impacts These (1) Anxiety, Emotion Regulation, Sleep; (2) Understanding Self Other; (3) Communication, Friendships, Social Interactions; (4) Comfort Psychological Health. One theme was identified pets: (5) Pet-Related Anxiety Concerns. findings have implications inform guidelines help make decisions about ownership foster meaningful relationships between pets.

Язык: Английский

Exploring the Connection Between Pet Attachment and Owner Mental Health: The Roles of Owner-Pet Compatibility, Perceived Pet Welfare, and Behavioral Issues.

medRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Ноя. 21, 2024

Research exploring the connection between pet ownership and mental health has expanded substantially in recent years, yet scientific evidence remains inconclusive. Existing studies have oversimplified this relationship by focusing primarily on itself, without accounting for crucial factors such as species of pet, or important dynamics owner-pet attachment orientations. This study sought to investigate whether owner could be better understood through lens owner-perceived compatibility, perceived welfare, behavioral issues. These aspects, often overlooked previous research, are believed play roles shaping relationships wellbeing. surveyed emerging adults (ages 18-26) from UK (N=600) with anxiety and/or low mood who owned dogs cats. A large portion sample met clinical criteria Generalized Anxiety Disorder Major Depressive Disorder. Our findings revealed that dog owners exhibited more secure attachments than cat owners. Attachment notably influenced whereby anxious was linked poorer among owners, while avoidant associated both Insecure related quality life, increased reports problems, regardless species. Additionally, welfare behavioural problems were owners; these not replicated Notably, a dog’s state (such appearing depressed), well fear dogs, mediated health. Owner-dog particularly affection domain, anxiety, positively mediating health, negatively suggest simplistic view fails capture complexity shape underscores need consider fully understand how human-pet can impact wellbeing people their pets.

Язык: Английский